As I fight off a stomach "bug" that kept my daughter home from school yesterday, I decide, I should write about my favorite remedies for nausea and such "bugs."  Now note, I am not a doctor nor am I prescribing.  I am merely sharing some of what I have learned and my experience with raw garlic and Saccharomyces boulardii.  

I am a huge fan of raw garlic.  Admittedly, I crush up a clove or two on my food and the food of any family member who will stay still long enough, when they seem to be fighting off illness. In vitro (tested in petrie dishes rather than people) garlic was found to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.  These are qualities you want in a remedy, for everything from stomach bugs to colds and flu.  So garlic is a keeper.... inexpensive, tasty when pressed in a garlic pressed and mixed in food, along with other favorite condiments and seasonings.  

Saccharomyces boulardii  is technically a yeast that is categorized as a probiotic (literally meaning something pro bio or pro-life), which is the group of good microorganisms that can live in our intestines and their presence helps to keep harmful bacteria in check or minimized.  So this strain is beneficial to a wide range of gastrointestinal ailments.  I first learned about it from a team member in the Whole Body department of Whole Foods Market.  They sell this strain of probiotic from the brand Jarrow Formulas.  I keep this in the cupboard and reach for it when anyone complains of nausea or diarrhea.  

And finally, I always remember that bacteria likes sugar, so the moment any of us are under the weather, I say no to treats.  Sugar (glucose) consumption actually lessens our immune system's ability to fight off disease, so no cookies for me today!